The governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait announced the achievement of their first joint oil discovery in the Divided Zone since the resumption of production operations in mid-2020, located in the “North Wafra Wara-Burqan” field, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The new discovery site is situated approximately five kilometers north of the Wafra field and was realized through the drilling of the “Wara Burqan-1” well, which yielded oil at a rate exceeding 500 barrels per day, with a specific gravity ranging between 26 and 27 degrees according to the API scale, reflecting encouraging technical characteristics in terms of the quality of the crude and its operational efficiency.
This discovery represents the first positive indicator of new potential in the region since the reactivation of the joint fields in Khafji and Wafra, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries at the end of 2019. The discovery is expected to enhance the reliability of both nations as major producers in global energy markets, particularly amid the global need for stable and reliable supply sources.
The SPA highlighted the strategic importance of this discovery, noting its role in supporting the objectives of joint exploration and production, as well as stimulating further investments in projects aimed at exploring and developing natural resources in the Neutral Zone, which witnesses technical and operational cooperation among several major companies, most notably Aramco Gulf Operations Company, Chevron Al-Khaleej Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait Gulf Oil Company.
This announcement comes approximately two years after discussions by the joint permanent committee between the two countries in July 2023, which explored ways to accelerate the implementation of petroleum projects in the Divided Zone, including expanding drilling and exploration activities in both Khafji and Wafra. A statement from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Oil at the time emphasized the importance of continuing work in accordance with the memorandum of understanding signed in December 2019, which established the institutional and technical framework for resuming production and overcoming associated logistical and technical challenges.
It is also worth noting that the two countries signed a preliminary agreement in March 2022 to develop the Durra field in the submerged area adjacent to the Divided Zone, a step aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership in the energy sector and expanding the exploitation of shared hydrocarbon resources.
This discovery is expected to have an impact on the long-term energy plans of both countries by enhancing their oil reserves and increasing export capabilities, at a time when global markets are experiencing fluctuations in supply and crude oil prices.
